Open-sided-socket ratchet wrench



Dec. 18, 1951 H, FlSH 2,578,686

OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 1o Sheets-Sheet 1p o a 15 fizz-ea er .Z}, 175% IN V EN TOR.

Dec. 18, 1951 H. L. FISH 2,578,686

OPENSIDED 'SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 2A E EEEE Z' 43/1 I 1 IN V EN TOR. 5247 4 BY A rraewsx Dec. 18, 1951 HQL. FISH 2,578,636

OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 3AZ'QEEET .5. flay, INVENTOR.

- ATTORNEY.

Dec. 18, 1951 FISH 2,578,686

OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 5INVEN OR. 1%22597' .5. lS/v,

ATTORNEY.

Dec. 18, 195 1 H. 1.. FISH OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHE'I WRENCH l0Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed .April 27 1-945 INVENTO R". 45 295527 5.1 7s,

ATTORNEY.

Dec. 18, 1951 H. L. FISH 2,578,686

OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet '71 INVENTO R. fieseer L Fla-H,

Dec. 18, 1951 H. L. FISH OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April27, 1945 e um .v INVENTOR. fiZ-eas'er Z. [751% BY Dec. 18, 1951 H. L.FISH 2,578,636

' OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet9 INVENTOR. 52-29527 #5. 7.91, BY

Dem M8, 1951 H. L. FISH 2,578,686

OPEN-SIDED-SQCKET RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 27, 1945 1o Sheets-Sheet 1oINVENTO R. .zZ-weeser 1}. 75,

" ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 18, 1951 OPEN-SIDED-SOCKET RATGHET WRENCH Herbert L. Fish,Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by memo assignments, to Tubing Appliance00., Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California ApplicationApril 27, 1945, Serial No. 590,577

12 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to wrenches and moreparticularly to wrenches for operatively turning threaded connectingdevices for sections of pipe while the devices form elements of aconduit. Wrenches of this kind usually have been made with a slottedsocket element revolubly mounted in a slotted end of a handle member andwere revolved by some means such as a ratchet mechanism mounted in thehandle.

Wrenches of the so-called split socket type need to be capable ofwithstanding hard service and severe strains at times. Also, they shouldbe capable of turning a B nut or the like by a socket element that willnot have a strong tendency to slip partly oif the nut and chew up, i. e.damage its outer surftce. As far as applicant is aware, none of thesplit socket wrenches heretofore proposed has reached a commercialstatus. Their designs were such as did not make for the economicalmanufacture of a strong and satisfactory wrench. Also, these wrencheshad no means for holding their socket elements in fully operativeengagement with the nuts on a continuous conduit, and the sockets couldeasily damage a nut. Moreover, each of these proposed prior split socketwrenches was suitable for use with but one size and shape, i. e.cross-sectional contour, of a threaded connecting device such as a Bnut.

One object of my invention is to provide split socket wrench means whichmay be used satisfactorily for turning a plurality of B nuts or the likeeach of a different size or shape from the others.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a split socket wrenchhaving means for assuring that there is no appreciable tendency for thesocket element of the wrench to slip off a nut while turning it.

In the construction and maintenance of aircraft of various kinds, many Bnuts and the like are used in the connections of pipes employed inhydraulic control mechanism and for other purposes. Many of such nuts,as will be well understood by those skilled in the art, cannot beoperated satisfactorily by slit socket ratchet wrenches as heretoforeconstructed. The use of ordinary wrenches on such B nuts is slow andsometimes obiectionable because of the little space often available forusing such a wrench without danger of it striking and damaging someother parts of the aircraftwhich are often made of light materials notadapted to be struck forcibly by metal objects such as wrench handles.

and satisfactorily revolved.

It is often desirable in aircraft construction to place a plurality ofcontinuous hydraulic control pipes as close to each other as ispractical in order to conserve much valued space. Even with slit socketwrenches as heretofore constructed, a material amount of space adjacenta control pipe in an aircraft was often required for operating such aratchet-drive slit socket on B nuts.

Another object of my invention is to provide a slit socket wrench withwhich B nut connections or the like in a continuous pipe system can beturned with the wrench stationary and requiring only a minimum amount ofspace during the turning operation.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved, slitsocket ratchet wrench which is capable of withstanding severe strainsand which is operable to turn B nuts and the like in either directionwhile they are elements of a continuous pipe system of large diameter.

An important object of my invention is the provision of a wrench forturning nuts and like devices which is operated by power while thehandle of the wrench is held stationary.

Another object of my invention is to provide a power driven wrench foroperatively turning threaded nuts which has a safeguard againststripping the threads of the nut.

A further object is to provide a wrench for turning nuts and the like byhand while the wrench is held stationary.

Another object is to provide a stationary wrench operated by hand powerwhich can exert a powerful turning force on a nut or the like.

Still another object is the provision of a slit socket wrench ofeconomical construction having a step-bystep nut turning movementwithout employing a relatively expensive ratchet wheel.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a ratchet-drive slitsocket wrench which employs short pivotless pawl members of greatstrength, the capacity of which is not limited by pivot pin mountingsfor the pawls.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear as thedescription proceeds.

The present invention is a continuation-inpart of my now abandonedapplication for Letters Patent on improvements in Split Ratchet SocketWrench 1019B Nuts, bearing Serial No. 531,325, and illing'date of April17, 1944.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a ratchet wrench constructed according to oneform my invention may take.

Figure 2 is a view taken at right angles to the plane of the ratchethandle of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view of structure similar to that shown in Figure 1 beingbroken away in part to show certain details of construction more clearlyas seen on line 3-3 01' Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a slotted head elementtaken along the lines 4-4 Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side view of a wrench embodying my invention andillustrates how it may be placed in position on a pipe preparatory forlateral movement into engagement with a B nut.

Figure 6 is a partialside view of the structure 01 Figure 2 looking inthe direction of the arrows on line 3-3.

Figure 7 is a partial side view of another form of wrench that myinvention may take.

Figure 8 is a side view of the structure of Figure 7 broken away in partto show certain details of construction as seen on line 8-8 of Figure 9.

Figure 9 is a view of the structure of Figure 7 taken at ri ht angles tothe plane 01' that structure's handle.

Figure -10 is a partial cross-section through the structure of Figure 8along the line lO-lil.

Figure 11 is a side view of another form or ratchet wrench whichembodies my invention.

Fi ure 12 is a partial side view of the wrench or Figure 11 illustratingit rastened on a pipe system ready to be moved laterally into engagementwith a B nut.

Figure 13 is a partial side view of the Figure 11 wrench looking at theopposite side from the view oi Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the wrench structure 01'Figure 12 taken along line Figure 15 is a side view of a form of wrenchwhich embodies my invention and which has a diii'erent ratchet drivemechanism from the wrench shown in Figure 3.

Figure 16 is an enlarged bottom view broken away in part of thestructure oi Figure 15 (as seen along line i8l8 of Fig. 15).

Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view along the line ISA-ISA of Figure15.

Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the structure of Figure 15 shown with aside cover plate removed.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line l8l8 01' Figure 16 inthe direction of the arrows.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an advantageous design of pawl usedin the structure of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a part used as an element 01' thestructure of Figure 17.

Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 17 and illustrates how thestructure of Figure 17 opcrates to turn a B nut through a fullrevolution.

Figure 22 is a side view broken away in part of a form of wrenchembodying my invention which has a diflerent ratchet drive mechanismfrom that of Figure 3 or 17.

Figure 23 is a bottom view broken away in, part of the structure ofFigure 23 (taken on line 2323 of Figure 22).

Figure 24 is a perspective view oi a part used in the structure ofFigure 22.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate advantageous construction and arrangementof certain parts oi the structure of Figure 22, as will appearhereinafter.

Figure 27 is a side view broken away in part of a form of wrench whichembodies my invention and which has one shoe pawl for rotating thesocket element of the wrench step-by-step which has certain advantagesthat will appear hereinafter.

'Figure 28 is a bottom view, broken away in part, of the structure ofFigure 27 taken on line 28-48 of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is an operational view of the structure of Figure 27.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a part forming an element of thestructure of Figure 27.

Figure 31 is a side view broken away in part of a form of wrench whichembodies my invention and which has a step-by-step drive for the socketelement of the wrench that requires no teeth for the driven revolublepart connected with the socket.

Figure 32 is a bottom view broken away in part of the structure ofFigure 31 taken on line 3232 of Figure 31.

Figure 33 is a side view broken away in part of a form of wrench whichembodies my invention and which employs a worm drive for the socketelement of the wrench that enables the wrench handle to be heldstationary while the socket is being revolved.

Figure 33A is a detail of one of the gears in Figure 33.

Figure 34 is a bottom view broken away in part of the structure 01'Figure 33 taken on line 34-34 of Figure 33.

Figure 35 is a side view broken away in part of a slip clutch ior wormmechanism which forms an element of the structure of Figure 34 as seenon line 35-35 of Figure 34.

Figure 36 is a side view partly diagrammatic and partly broken away of aform of wrench which embodies my invention and which has a gear drivefor the socket element of the wrench that enables the handle of thewrench to be held stationary while the socket is being revolved bypower.

Figure 37 is a bottom view broken away in part of the structure oi.Figure 36 as seen on line 31-31 of Figure 36.

Figure 38 is a side view, broken away in part, of a form of wrench whichembodies my invention and which employs gears for engagement with thesocket element of the wrench and which employs a ratchet mechanism fordriving the gears.

Figure 39 is a bottom view, broken away in part, of the structure oi.Figure 38 as seen on line 3839 oi Figure 38.

Figure 40 is a side view, broken away in part, of a form 01' wrenchwhich embodies my invention and which employs a worm gear drive for thesocket element of the wrench that enables the wrench to be heldstationary while the socket is being revolved by power applied to theworm oi the drive.

Figure 41 is a top view, broken away in part. showing a wrench whichembodies my invention arranged for operating a turnbuckle.

Figure 42 shows a detail of construction oi the socket of Figure 41.

Figure 43 shows a form 0! socket member ad 5, vantageously used with thestructure of Figure 41.

Referring to the embodimentof my invention shown in Figure 1 which I mayrefer to as the number one form, I is a metal[ handle of a shapecommonly used in similar wrenches. Fastened securely to each side of thehandle I0 is jaw II and jaw l2. These jaws may be spaced apart thethickness of the handle or any distance desirable and fastened to thehandle by screws l3 or other suitable fastening means. The outer end ofeach jaw is enlarged and is made with a slot or gap element I4. Theinner portion of each slot l4 has the form of a portion or segment of acircle. The width of the slot opening at the outer extremity of thecircular portion is less than the diameter of the circular portion ofthe gap, for an advantage presently to appear. I5

represents generally a revoluble B nut-engaging unit having two journalelements It and I1 which are made to engage with a snug working fit in Ythe circular portions of the slots M in the jaws II and I2 and are flushwith the sides of the jaws. The journal elements l6 and H are integrallyjoined and spaced apart so as to engage with jaws II and I2respectively. Integrally joined to the element I1 is an inner sleeveportion l8 extending downwardly as viewed in Figure 4. Fastened on thesleeve l8 by a screw 20 is a socket 2| which may have the approximateouter form of a cylinder. In the walls of this cylindrical member 2| areinternal spline-like teeth 22 constructed for engagement with the B nutsfor which the wrench is designed to be used. Between the teeth 22 andthe sleeve I3 is provided a space 23 for receiving portions 24 of the Bnuts extending beyond the usual nut body 25. A space 26 isprovidedbetween the inner ends of the teeth 22 and the space 23 topermit forming of the teeth. The inner end of the member 2| is made witha knurled portion 21 for conveniently rotating the unit l5 by the user'shand when such is desirable. The entire unit l5 functions as a ratchetdriven socket.

To enable the unit l5 to be placed in position over a pipe P having a Bnut connection with another pipe or part, a slot-like opening 30 isprovided through the walls of the bearing elements I3" and I1 and thesleeve l8 and the cylindrical member 2|. This opening is slightly widerthan the diameter of the pipe P.

To revolve the unit l5 and the B nut 25 in engagement with it in onedirection, an advantageous ratchet means may be provided as follows:Ratchet teeth 3| having a thickness to fit snugly between the jaws I andl 2 are cut in the solid stock btween the elements l5 and H. The outsidediameter of these teeth exceeds the diameter of the circular portion ofthe gaps H. In the space between the jaws II and I2 and between theinner end (right end as viewed in, Figure 3) there are mounted twospring pressed pawls 32 and 33 pivoted on strong pins 34 and 35,respectively, which extend between the jaws II and I2 and which alsohelp to stiffen the jaws against sidewise motion under strain." The pawl32 is made in the form of a drive or pull pawl and the pawl 33 is madeasa dog or push'pull but both pawls serve as drive pawls. The ends of thepawls are positioned so that when the end of one of the pawls isdisposed in the slot 30 the end of the other pawl is in engagement withthe teeth 3| at some point and are effective to rotate the wrench unitl5. Pins 36 are positioned for stopping the pawls 32 and 33 in down toofar into the slot 4 when the latter is I,

revolved past the end of either pawl.

It can be seen from inspection of Figures 1, 4 and 5 that the socketunit I5 is provided with a desirable bearing means which maintains itand its unit engaging teeth 22 in true parallel relation-to a pipe Phaving a B nut 25 to be turned. This parallel relation is secured byconstructing the sleeve I8 with an inside diameter for engaging snuglyabout the pipe with which it is to be used, and to have the sleeveextend from the nut engaging portion of the unit |5 to an integraljuncture with the slotted ratchet element l1. Maintaining the teeth 22in parallel relation to the faces and edges of the nut 25 while thelatter is being turned is important since it reduces to an inappreciableamount any tendency for the teeth to become disposed at an angle to thefaces and edges of the nut which if it occurred would probably result inthe nut being chewed up i. e. roughened and marred, and also help makethe socket l5 become disengaged from the nut.

In Figures 7 to 10, inclusive, there is illustrated another form whichmy invention may take which is different from the above described numberone form in construction and operation in certain ways to be pointed outhereinafter. A handle 4|! similar to handle l0, except that it ispreferably thicker, may be fastened by screws 4| between jaws 42 and 43.These jaws are each formed with a slot or gap element 44, the innerportion of the gap having the form of a segment of a circle. Thedistance between the jaw portions at the outer end of the circularportion of the gap 44 is less than the diameter of the circular portionof the gap. For engaging a B nut, a collar 45 may have internalteeth-like elements 46 and two external circular bearing elements 41constructed for engaging with a snug working fit in the circularportions of the gaps 44 in the jaws 42 and 43 and be flush with thesides of the jaws. A gap or opening is provided in the collar 45 ofaproximately the same width as they gap 44. In the external surface ofthe collar 45 between the bearing elements 41 are provided ratchet teeth48, the outer diameter of the teeth being greater than the diameter ofthe bearing elements 41 and they fit snugly between the jaws 42 and 43.These teeth 48 are designed to permit the collar to be revolved ineither direction as may be convenient, for example for operating on Bnuts having righthand threads or left-hand threads; For revolving thenut engaging collar 45 in either direction, the following describedmeans may be employed: A set of two right-hand pawls 50 and 5| forrevolving the collar 45 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 8)are pivoted in the space between the'jaws 42 and 43 at the end of thehandle 4|. The pawls 50 and 5| are positioned so that their free endsengage the teeth 48 far enough apart as to always leave one of the pairof 50, 5|

pawls in engagement with some of the teeth 48 v when the free end of theother pawl of the pair is disposed in the gap in the pawl teeth whichcoincides with the gap in collar 45. Another pair of pawls 52 and 53 arepivoted alongside the pawls 50 and 5| for revolving the collar 45counterclockwise when such operation is desirable. The pawls 5| and 52are preferably mounted on the same pin 84 fastened in the jaws 42 and48, and the pawls 50 and 88 are preferably mounted on the same pin 55.For pressing the pawls BI and 52 into engagement with the teeth 48 asingle leaf spring 58 which'has one end portion fastened in the handle4| has the other end portion split and formed suitably for engaging theassociated pawls. In like manner, a single split leaf spring 51 may beemployed for pressing the pawls 50 and 53 against the teeth 48. Forholding one of the pairs of the pawls described above inoperative whilethe other pair is in use, a revoluble cam unit 60 may be mounted betweenthe pawls pivoted on the pin 54 and the pawls pivoted on the pin 55.This cam unit 60 has two integrally joined cams BI and 62 so disposedthat when the cam 6| is in a position transverse to the long axis of thewrench handle, it moves the pawls 52 and 53 outwardly to an inoperativeposition. A small round detent notch 64 in each of the pawls 52 and 53engage with the opposite ends of the cam BI and holds it securely in itsoperative position and the pawls 52 and 53 in their inoperativepositions. The construction and operation of the cam 62 and the pawlsStand 5| are similar to that of the cam 63 and its associated pawls. Thecam unit 60 is mounted on a short shaft 65 which projects slightlybeyond the jaw 42 and has fastened to it a short handle 66 for operatingthe cams BI and I52. It will be noted that the collar 48 is heldsecurely in position in the wrench by means similar to that describedfor holding the nut engaging unit IS in the number one wrench form of myinvention.

It will be readily understood that the number one form of my inventionmay be used to revolve a B nut or the like in the direction desired forthe work to be done. That is to say, the particular form illustrated inFigures 1 to 5 may be made either right-hand or left-hand, dependingupon which direction from the handle the engaging unit l5 extends. Asshown, the wrench is a right-hand one, and to be left-hand, the unit l5would be inverted. Moreover, this form could be made reversible in thesame manner as the form shown in Figures '7 to 10 by incorporating inthe first form a dual ratchet mechanism similar to that of the secondform. Also the right-hand form illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 may serveas a left-hand wrench by turning the nut engaging unit l5 over (to theleft) and operating the handle upwardly for revolving ratchet teeth 3|.

In Figures 11, 12 and 13 another form my wrench may take is illustrated,which has certain desirable features presently to appear. On each sideof a handle I two jaw members II and I2 are fastened by screws I3. Theenlarged end head portion of the jaws II and I2 are symmetrical andtheir axes align with the long axis of the handle instead of beingshaped as the jaws shown in Figure 1. Jaws 'II and I2 may have a slot I4similar in construction and function to the slot l4. A nut engagingsocket unit I5 may be driven by ratchet mechanism and this unit I5 andits ratchet mechanism may be the same in construction and function assimilar parts l5 etc. of the above described number one form of mywrench except as is pointed out hereinafter.

The unit I5 is preferably made with sleeve member I8 which has one endportion I8 extending out a short distance from the jaw H (see Figures 12and 14) instead of stopping flush with that jaw as in the constructionshown in Figure 1. The end portion I8 and another like end portion 80preferably have a square or hexagonal cross section in part instead of around cross section. This square form afl'ords several advantages. A nutengaging socket member 8! of the unit I5 can have a very strongconnection with the stock of the ratchet teeth 82. Also the protrudingsleeve portion I9 can be used conveniently to revolve the unit I5 tobring a slot I4 therein into alignment with the slot I4. This may beconvenient when, for example, the wrench is fastened on a continuouspipe system by these slots being out of alignment due to the use of thewrench for tightening up a B nut connection, and to use the wrenchelsewhere it must be removed from engagement with the pipe system byhaving the slots in alignment. Also the square form of sleeve provides acompact means for turning the unit; I5 slightly relative to the handle10 for bringing teeth 82 in the socket into proper engagement with a Bnut or the like while the wrench is being moved laterally intoengagement with the B nut with the other hand of the user. Furthermore,by providing a mark 88 on the jaw 'Ii, this mark will cooperate with themiddle edge 88 of the projecting sleeve portion I9 and thus indicatethat the slots I4 and 80 are in alignment and the wrench may be removedfrom engagement with a continuous pipe system. To this same slotaligning indicating end, a line 9| on the member 8| may cooperate with aline 92 on the jaw I2.

The ratchet wrench in Figure 12 may be moved along the pipe P to theright into engagement with a B nut 25, or it may be turned over aroundthe long axis of the handle I0, and with the unit I5 disposed asindicated in dot and dash outline the wrench may be removed to the leftfor engaging a B nut or the like, not shown. In this position one handof the user may press the unit I5 against the nut while the fingers ofthe other hand turn the unit I5 slightly.

When the unit I5 or unit I5 is at the right of its respective handle, asviewed in Figures 2 and 12, a nut is turned, i. e. the wrench isoperated by upward movement of the handle. When the units are at theleft of their handles the wrench is operated by a downward movement ofthe handles.

It will be understood that the term continuous pipe system as used inthe specification and claims of the present application is intended tomean a line of pipes and other parts associated with fluids which extendbetween and/or form a continuous conduit between any devices used withfluids, whether liquids or vapors. Furthermore, a pipe system having astretch of considerable length between a B nut and part or connection orthe like and an end unconnected to anything is in effect a substantialcontinuous pipe system as regards the difiiculty of employing a usualratchet wrench to turn B nuts or the like on the pipe system when suchnuts are a long way from the open or unconnected end.

It can be seen that all forms of my Wrench are fastened securely on apipe system by their engagement with the nut and the movement of theslots in the nut-engaging members out of alignment with the slot in thewrench head, the movement of the slots being done first in many cases.

As is well known, the term Parker fitting is sometimes applied to B nutswhich as shown in Figures 5 and 12 are compression coupling members forJoining soft metal tubing.

awaeae In Figures 15 to 21, inclusive, there is illustrated another formmy invention may take v which shows a ratchet driven split socket wrenchof strong construction. A knurled handle I of a body IN is made with anenlarged head portion I02 which is formed with a cavity I 0 ICpreferably of a shape as shown in Figures 16A, 16, 1'7 and 21, and as isfurther described hereinafter. A cover plate element I03 of the head I02may be integral with the body IOI. Another cover plate element I04 ofthe head may be a member fastened strongly to the head by screws I05.The outer ends of the cover plate elements I03 and I04 may have madetherein aligned slots or gaps I06 of equal width, the inner portions ofwhich are enlarged and have the forms of portions or segments I01 of acircle, one concentric with the other. To secure advantages presently toap pear, the circular segment in the plate I04 is larger in diameterthan the circular segment in the plate I03. The diameter of the segmentsI01 exceed the width of the slots I06. For securing an extra strongmounting in the head I02 of a socket carrying member I08 presently to bedescribed the plate I03 is formed with an inturned integral flange-likemember I09 (see Figure 16). The external perimeter of this flange iscircular in form, and at the forward side, the flange has a slot elementthat can be brought into alignment with the slots I06. The inner portionof the slot I I has a circular enlarged form corresponding to andconcentric with the circular segments I01.

The socket carrying member I08 has an inner tubular portion IIO with aninside diameter and a length such that it will fit snugly around thefiange I09 in the cavity IOIC in the head I02 and provide a strong,revoluble mounting for the member I08 that will keep it in perpendicularrelation to the plane of the body IOI.

It is to be noted that there is a rearwardly disposed portion III of thecavity IOIC which is not filled by the tubular portion IIO. An outertubular portion II2 of the member I08 is integrally joined to an endwall element II3 which is also integrally joined to the tubular'portionH0. The juncture of the portion H2 and the wall element H3 is arrangedto leave an annular offset or shelf ele'ment II4 which abuts snuglyagainst the cover plate I04, and braces the member I08. The abovedisclosed arrangement of the socket carrying member I08 and theassociated handle parts provides an exceptionallystrong and firmmounting for the member I08 while leaving it easily revoluble by meanspresently to be described.

In the member I08 there is made a longitudinal slot element II5 of thesame width as the slot I05 and the inner end of the slot is preferably atangential semi-circular form concentric with the circular segments I01in the plate I03 and I04. The diameter of the semi-circular slot end andthe width of the slot I I 5 is approximately the same as the outsidediameter of a pipe or conduit having thereon a B nut 25 to be screwed'onor oil by the wrench shown in Figure 15 for an advantage to appearhereinafter. In accordance with that feature of my invention which is tomake one split socket wrench capable of satisfactorily engaging andturning a plurality of B nuts of different sizes and shapes, 1. e.cross-sectional contours, the following described construction ofsockets to be releasably mountable on a wrench according to my inventionis advantageous. One form of a socket member I20 may have an outertubular socket portion I2I made with spline-like teeth elements as inFigure 18, for example I22 for engaging the B nut across the inner endof the tubular socket portion I2I is an integral wall element I23.Extending inwardly (upwardly as viewed in Figure 16) is an integraltubular sleevelike element I24 which may have an inner cylindrical formof a diameter to fit snugly around the outer end portion II2 of themember I08. A lengthwise slot II5 of the same size and shape as the slotH5 is provided through wall portions of the socket elements I2I and I24.It is to be noted that this slot I I5 is also made in the wall elementI23 and in this element the slot has a semi-circular end concentric withthe inner end of the slot H5 and approximately the same diameter as theoutside diameter of a pipe P with which the socket is to be used. Thisconstruction keeps the teeth I22 securely in parallel relation to theedges of a B nut which for reasons pointed out hereinbefore is verydesirable while the nut is being turned.

For holding the socket member I20 securely on the member I08 but in away that it can be readily removed therefrom by simply pulling on it, ina hole I25 which extends omy partly through a wall element of thetubular portion H2 is mounted a small coiled spring I26 and a metal ballI21. The hole I25 is made in a well known way so that the ball I21 maybe yieldingiy pushed omy part way out of the wall. For a detent coactionwith the ball a shallow recess I28 is provided in the wall of thetubular element I24. To assure that the socket I20 turns with the memberI08 on which it is mounted cooperative spline-like means of well knownconstruction (not shown) may be provided in the elements I I2 if desiredand I24. However, according to another feature of my invention a, lessexpensive construction for securing this end is shown in Figures 16 and18. By this construction, the periphery of the tubular element 2 and theadjacent inner surface of the element I24 are circular. At the outer endof the slot II5 through the wall of the element II2, portions of thewall are squared off at each side of the slot as shown at I30 and I3I.Adjacent portions I32 and I33 of the sleeve element I24 are turnedinwardly to be disposed closely against the squared off portions of thetubular element II2. makes it impossible to assemble the slotted socketmember I20 on the slotted member I08 with the slots in two parts out ofalignment which is an advantage of importance in some cases in aircraftand ships where there is but little light for workmen to use wrenches.

For driving the socket carrying member I03 in either direction forturning B nuts and the like, ratchet teeth I35 as shown in Figure 17 maybe cut in the tubular element IIO. For engaging these teeth, two sets oftwo pawls each may be provided and are designated I36, I31, I38 and I39.Each of these pawls may be of the same size and shape as the others.Each pawl has a body I40 and an enlarged journal end I4I of circularperiphery as illustrated in Figure19.

The pawls I36 and I31 (one set) have their journal ends set in circularbearing elements recessed in the wall at the rear of the cavity in thebody IOI. In like manner, the pawls I38 and I39 are mounted in thecavity in the body at a distance greater than the width of the slot II5. Each pawl in a set is made with a small circular recess I42 in itsside that faces the other pawl of its set. These recesses serve formounting a small This construction also -pull spring I43 fastenedasvaeae to and disposed between the two pawls of asetfor a purposepresently to appear.

As viewed in Figure 1'1, the pawls are arranged for driving the socketI20 (Figure 16) clockwise by the pawls I31 and I39 as the handle I isoscillated. While this is being done, the pawls I36 and I38 are held ininoperative positions by the following described means.- A shift yokedevice I45 has an arcuate base element I46 with a notch I41 intermediateits ends andtwo pawl shifting lugs I48 and I49, one such lug extendingout at approximately right angles to the plane of the base I46 whichfits snugly in a section of thecavity in the body I0i adjacent the coverplate I04. The lug 148 comes between the pawls I36 and I31 and the lugI49 comes between the pawls I38 and I39. When the yoke I45 is shiftedcounter-clockwise (Figure 17) by a device hereinafter described the pairof pawls I36 andl36 are swung'to inoperative positions and held thereclear of the ratchet teeth I35. In this position, the springs I43 pullthe pawls I31 and I39 positively into engagement with the teeth I35.When the yoke I45 is shifted clockwise the pawls I31 and I39 are swungout of engagement with the ratchet teeth I35 and the pawls I36 and I38are pulled by the springs I43 into engagement with the ratchet teeth fordriving the socket I20 counter-clockwise. For shifting the yoke I45, astub shaft I50 may be mounted in the body MI and have one end extendinginwardly to the plane of the body I46. To this inner end, may be pasteda shift arm or lever II having an outer rounded end element I52 disposedin the notch I41. To the outer end of the stub shaft may be fastened ashift lever I53. It will be noted by inspection of Figure 21, that whenone of a pair of the operative driving pawls is opposite the slot II5,the other pawl oi the operative pair is in engagement with the teethI35. Also, one of the lugs I48 or I49 will also function to hold theidle pawl opposite the slot II5 from being pulled into the slot by itsassociated spring. It can be seen that the construction and arrangementof the pawl drive for the form of my invention illustrated in Figures 15to 21, inclusive, provides a reversible, inexpensive and durable pawldrive that is especially strong because of eliminating a pivot pinmounting for the pawls which has usually been found heretofore insimilar wrenches. When a split socket ratchet wrench is being used inmany places it is diflicult for the user to see when the slots, such asthe slots I06 and H5 in Figure 15 are in alignment so that the wrenchcan be removed from a continuous conduit or pipe system. To solve thisproblem a headed pin I60 may be mounted for slidable movement in a holethrough the side plate I03 and is normally pressed outwardly by a coilspring I6I so that the lower end of the pin does not normally projectbeyond the inner face of the side plate. A shallow recess I62 is made inthe sleeve 0 opposite the center of slot H5 and passes under the pin asthe sleeve revolves. The pin I60 is positioned opposite the slot I06. Bypressing lightly on the pin with one hand of the user as the other handoscillates the wrench or revolves the socket directly, engagement of thepin I60 in the recess I62 will stop the turning of the sleeve IIO withthe slots I06 and H5 in alignment.

An advantageous form my invention may take is illustrated in Figures 22to 26, inclusive. In

12 this Figure 22 form, as it may be called, all of the parts except theratchet drive as is described hereinafter may be, of the sameconstruction as the parts described hereinabove in connection with theform illustrated in Figures 15 to 21, inclusive. In the Figure 22 form,instead of employing two sets of pawls for the ratchet drive, two pawldevices are used; each having the same form and construction. Theycomprise stub shaft oscillatable members I10 and "I, each having aforwardly disposed face I12 and at each side of this face is provided atooth member I13 strongly and integrally joined to the shaft.. Each ofthe shafts I10 and "I may be seated in a mounting hole I14, havingaround inclosing wall element except opposite the hollowed out face I12.For pressing one tooth of each of the shafts I10 and "I into operativedriving engagement with the teeth I35. a pin I15 for each shaft has itsinner end portion disposed in a hole I16 provided in an arcuate slidablering member I11 (Figure 25) lying against the side plate I04 andextending partly below (as viewed in Figure 25) the shafts I10 and "I. Acompression spring I16 around each pin I15 presses it against a bottomof a. groove element I across each shaft (see Figure 24) For reversingthe direction of the drive of the Figure 22 form of my invention,substantially the same yoke shift means may be employed as are describedhereinbefore for use with the Figure 15 form of my invention. A knob I52on lever I53 engages in a notch I41 provided in the ring I11. A roundintegral knoblike element I 8I on each of the shafts I10 and "I may bepositioned coaxial therewith and fit snugly in a cooperative recessprovided in the side plate I02 to serve as a pivot for pawl carryingstub shafts.

In Figures 27 to 30, inclusive, there is illustrated a form my inventionmay take wherein only one pawl device, a toothed shoe 200, is employedfor driving a. slotted rotatable socket carrying member 20I which may beof substantially the same construction as the member I I0 and havesimilar ratchetteeth 202. A wrench handle may have a body 203 arrangedwith a suitable cavity 203C for having bearing elements for mounting therotatable member 20I. The cavity in the body 203 will be of a slightlydifferent form and size, as is described hereinafter, from that in thebody IOI as is illustrated in Figures 27 and 28. To correspond with thecavity in the body 203 a cover plate 204 is provided which is slightlydifferent from the plate I04. For driving the member 20I in eitherdirection by the single shoe 200, the latter may be provided with anelongated crosswise hole 205 therethrough and centrally positioned inthis hole is a strong pin 206 having its ends fastened, one in anintegral cover plate element 201 and the other in the plate 204. Twosets of compression springs 208 and 209 of suitable stifiness may bemounted in the hole 205, One end of each spring in a set bears againstthe pin 206 and the other end against an adjacent end wall elementaround the hole 205. The shoe 200 has a rearward slotted projection 2I0in the slot of which is pivotally fastened, one end of a rearwardlyextending still link or strut 2| I. The other end of this link ispivoted to a pin 2I2 disposed between the cover-plates 204 and 201 in away presently to appear.

For cooperation with the shoe 200 to hold the teeth thereof in operativedriving engagement with the teeth 202, the cavity in the body 203 has arear portion 2I3 with side walls 2i 4 arranged in parallelism with thesides of the shoe rear extension 2I6 and spaced therefrom a distanceequal to the width of a stop block 2I6 of which there is a like stopblock 2"; on the opposite side of the extension 2I6. Each of the stopblocks 2 I5 and 2 I6 may be made as illustrated in Figures 27, 28 and 29preferably with ends having a semi-circular convex shape. Each of theblocks H5 and 2I6 is made with a centrally disposed, cross-wise hole 2therethrough for a purpose soon to appear. .A drive shift control member226 may be constructed as illustrated in Figure 30 and have two sets ofparallel fingers 22I and 222 formed with rounded outer end elements,their inner ends being integrally Joined to a central hub member 224which has a middle portion cut away for receiving the rear end of thelink 2I I which is pivotally fastened to the pin 2I2 seated in an axialbore extending partly through the hub 224. At the upper end of this hub(as viewed in Figure 28) is a stub journal 225 projecting into the coverplate 261 and at the lower end is a stub journal 226 projecting throughthe cover plate 264 to have fastened thereon a shift lever 221. The endsof the fingers 22!, 222 are disposed in the holes 2" in the stop blocks2I5 and 2I6 and either of the latter may be selectively moved tooperative position by operation of the lever 221. The step by stepdriving operation of the shoe 266 can be seen from an inspection ofFigures 27, 28 and 29. In the last named figure, the shoe 266 is shownas the handle is being ratcheted i. e. swung backward for be-. ginninganother step advance of the socket carrying member 26 I.

In Figures 31 and 32 there is illustrated a form my invention may takewhich is less expensive to manufacture than such a form, for example, asis shown in Figures and 16. Also this Figure 31 or friction drive formwhich employs a step-by-step drive operates in a quieter manner thanmost step-by-step drives which have ratchet teeth with pawl devices thatare swung backwardly to be dragged over the ratchet teeth.

A handle 256 may have a slotted body 25! arranged with a cavity 25IC andhave means for mounting in the body a slotted rotatable socket carryingmember 252 which may be of the same construction as the socket carryingmember II6 except as is explained hereinafter.- No ratchet teeth orother similar devices are made on the periphery of the member 252 whichmay be made as a smooth cylindrical surface. In the portion of thecavity 25IC at the rear of the member 252v is placed a one-piece drivingshoe 253 having a crescent-like shape as is shown in Figure 31. Thisshoe is held in position for turning the member 252 step-by-step by thefollowing described means. A strong pin 254 having one end Journailed ina hole in an integral upper (as viewed in Figure 32) cover plate 255 anda lower cover plate 256 is disposed in a narrow rectangular hole 251,

through the shoe 253 and one or more strong compression springs 258 aremounted on each side of the pin 254 in the hole 251 with one end of eachspring bearing against the pin and the other end bearing against thewall element at the adjacent end of the hole.

For cooperation with the shoe 253 in two advantageous ways, presently toappear, a strong shift and drive bar member 266 has one end pivotallyfastened to a pin 26I fastened in the shoe 253 adjacent and parallel tothe pin 254. The other end of the bar 266 extends rearwardly to circularslot 262 in the upper portion of body 25I above (as viewed in Figure 32)and a pin 263 in the bar 266 extends outwardly through the slot 262. Inthe wall at the rear of the slot are provided three shallow notches 264,265 and 266 for selectively receiving and retaining therein the pin 263.As shown in Figure 31 the bar 266 is in notch 266 and the shoe 263 isthus ready to rotate the member 252 clockwise step-by-step.- Initialoscillating driving movement of the handle causes the bar 266 to have atoggle-like function and to exert a pushing action against the shoe 253in a way that greatly increases the pressure of an arm or tip element261 of the shoe against the curved periphery of the member'252. When thebar is swung to move the pin 263 to the notch 264, and the handle 256 isswung counter-clockwise, greatly increased pressure of an arm element268 against the member 252 results for turning the latter clockwise.Upon return or backward swinging movement of the handle 256 in eitherdirection, the angular disposition of the bar 262 provides for only alight frictional engagement of the shoe arms and the member 252. Whenthe pin 263 is left in the middle or neutral notch, being held there byaction of the spring 258, only a light pressure of the shoe arms 261 and268 against the member 252 results.

To attain that object of my invention which is the provision of a splitsocket wrench with which B-nuts in a line of pipe may be turned withoutoscillating the wrench handle whatever, a form of my inventionillustrated in Figures 33 to 35. inclusive, may be employed. A slottedbody portion 366 of this form of wrench may have an integral cover plateelement 3I|I and removable cover plate element 362 which cover plateelements may be of like construction, except as is hereinafterdescribed, as the cover plates I63 and I64. Between the cover plates 36Iand 362 is a cavity 3660 in which is rotatably mounted a slotted socketcarrying member 363 which may be of the same construction as the socketcarrying member I68 except as will be presently explained. In the entireperipheral curved surface of the member 363 are cut spur gear teeth364'. 1

To mesh with these teeth, are mounted two spur gears 365 and 366 onshafts 361 and 368 suitably journaledin the cover plates 36I and 362 andspaced apart a distance exceeding the width of a slot 3I6 in the member363. Mounted for operative engagement with both of the gears 365 and 366is a drive gear 3, which preferably includes a body element 3I2 in whichthe 1 stub shafts are journaled in holes in the cover plate 36I and 362.Extending through the stub shafts 3l3 and the body 3l2 coaxial therewithis I.

a square hole 3I4 for receiving a squared end of a suitable crank armtool (not shown) of well known construction for turning the gear 3speedily when such is desired.

To enable a large size of socket (not shown) in the member 364 to beturned against heavy resistance of a rusted'B nut, for example, thefollowing described means may be providedTA worm 3I5 having threads forcooperative driving engagement with the gear 3 may be mounted loosely inthe cavity on a shaft 3"; having an end portion extending out from thebody 366 on which may be mounted loosely a hollow shaft extension 3 I 1having a squared end portion 3I8 for having attached thereto a handcrankrlevice 326 of well known construction. The extension 3I1 may beheld on the shaft 3I6 by any suitabfe means of well known construction.For transmitting power from the crank 320 to the worm M the latter mayhave an integral stub shaft extension 323 to the outer end of which isan integral flange 324. Between a flange 326 on the inner end of theshaft extension 3 and the flange 324 may be disposed a friction drivedevice of well known construction which may include a spring member 326and a suitable frictional power transmitting disc 321.

To enable the worm 3l5 to be rendered ineffective to prevent speech!operation of the socket carrying member the lower end (as viewed inFigure 33) of the worm may be pivoted to be swung away from the gear 3by the following means. A collar member 330 secured on the shaftextension 3" is pivoted on two pins 33! journaled in the cover plates Niand 302. The right end (as viewed in Figure 35) of the shaft M6 ismounted in a movable block member 332 disposed snugly between the coverplates 30l and 302 and is held firmly in a position to dispose the worm3l5 in cooperative driving relation to the gear 3 by a bell crankcontrol member 333 which holds the gear in operative position againstthe action of a spring 334. An arm 335 of the bell crank member extendsoutwardly of the body 300 to be operated manually. To limit the swingingmovement of the worm 3i5 by the spring 334 and the block 332 the rearend of the cavity 3000 may be constructed as shown in Figure 33.

It can be seen that by making the hand crank device 320 and a handle 336of suitable lengths, one in relation to the other that a person canconveniently hold the handle of the wrench body stationary with one handwhile he operates the wrench with the other hand.

To accomplish that object of my invention which is the provision of apower driven split socket wrench, an embodiment of my invention as isillustrated in Figures 36 and 37 may be employed. A slotted wrench body350 may have an integral cover plate portion 351 and a removable coverplate 352 enclosing a cavity 3500 in which may be mounted a slottedrotatable socket carrying member 353 which may be of the sameconstruction and mounting except as is hereinafter described, as thesocket carrying member 303. Bevel gear teeth 354 are cut in all of thecurved periphery of the member 353. Two bevel gear members 355 and 356are each mounted on pintles 351 fast in the body 350 between the coverplates 35i and 352 so that gear teeth on the forward sides of these gearmembers mesh with the gear teeth 354 on the member 353 In the rear facesof the gear members 355 and 356 are cut bevel gear teeth with which meshbevel gear teeth in a drive gear 358, the axis of which coincides withthe long axis of a handle 360 integrally joined to the body 350. Thegear 358 is integrally joined to a hollow stub shaft 36! the rear end ofwhich projects rearwardly from an integral wall elements 350a of thebody 350 in the cavity 3500. An apertured flange member 362 is pinned tothe rear end of the shaft 361. The latter and the flange 362 are mountedloosely on the forward end of a shaft 363 which extends rearwardlythrough a lengthwise hole in the handle 360 and projects outwardly fromthe end of the handle. The projecting portion of the shaft 363 has a pin364 therethrough for a connection of well known construction with aflexible shaft 365 which may be driven by an efectric motor 366 or othersuitable prime mover. An outer end portion 361 of the handle 360 isreduced in diameter and arranged with pin members 363 for cooperation ina well known way with the flexible shaft connection. Should a B nut (notshown) being turned by the motor driven wrench of Fi ure 37 be screwedup fast to the end of its travel, an excessive strain might result inthe threads of the B nut, for example, if substantially the full powerof the motor 366 has to be resisted by the threads at the moment theystop their operative turning movement. To prevent excessive strains insuch an event on the B nut threads any any part of the wrench, I providea slip clutch device between the shaft 363 and the gear 353. A frictiondisc 310 of well known construction is pressed against the flange 362 bya slip clutch spring member 3 of well known construction.

The spring 31! is ordinarily forced against the disc 310 by a collar 312integrally joined to a sleeve 313 having a keyed slidable mounting onthe shaft 363 to be rotatable therewith and movable lengthwise thereon.For pressing the collar 312 up against the spring 31l, the sleeve 313 ismade for receiving a shaft yoke member 314 of well known construction inwhich is fastened a pin 316. I

Fastened loosely about the pin 315 is the forward end of one strut orleg 316 of a toggle-like device having another strut 311, one end ofwhich is pivotally fastened to the rear end of the strut 316 by a pivotpin 318 which extends outwardly through an arcuate slot 380. The strut311 is positioned against the outside face of the integral cover plate35L The rear end of the strut 311 is pivoted about a screw 319 in thebody 350. As can be seen by inspection of Figures 36 and 37 thisconstruction provides a positive so-called broken-back toggle lock formaintaining the slip clutch means of the Figure 36 form of wrench inoperative condition.

To release the connection between the motor 366 and the socket carryingmember 353 for turning the latter manually, it is only necessary topress on the head of the pin 318 and swing the toggle upwardly (asviewed in Figure 36).

In Figures 38 and 39 there is illustrated a form my invention may takewhich has certain advantageous features presently to appear. In thisform, the construction of a slotted body 400 with an integral coverplate 4M and a removable cover plate 402, a slotted, toothed socketcarrying member 403, and spaced apart spur gears 404 and 405 may be thesame as disclosed hereinbefore for similar parts which enter into theconstruction of the Figure 33 form of my invention, except for a slightchange in the form of the body 400 to be explained hereinafter.

For driving the spur gears 404 and 405, a gear 406 may be provided whichhas gear teeth which mesh with the teeth of the spur gears and which aredrivenly engaged by two pawls 401 and 408 which may be of substantiallythe same construction and have a pinless mounting in a wall of a cavity4000 of approximately the same construction as is disclosed hereinbeforefor the pawls of the Figure 17 form of my invention except as willpresently appear. The paw is 431 and 408 are each mounted on oppositeside of the center line of the wrench and wrench handle 409. A pullspring 0 having one end fastened to one pawl and the other end to theopposite pawl, tends to move the pawls into operative engagement withthe teeth of the gear 406.

To provide for only one pawl at a time to engage with the gear 406, ashift yoke device 4 may be provided and be of approximately the asvaoeanarrower-as the shift yoke I45 oithe Figure 17.

form of my invention.- Forselectively moving the yoke 4| l, aleverdevice including a lever 412,-

a shaft 3 and another lever 4H4 outside the cavity 4000 may be providedand be of substantially the same construction and operation as the leverHi, the shaft I50 and the lever I53, respectively, of the Figure 17 formof my invention.

The gear 405 may beof approximately-the same construction and mountingas the gear 3H and have a square axially positioned through it forreceiving a speed wrench tool (not shown) of well known construction foroperating the wrench when, for example, it isinconvenient to operate itby oscillating the handle 400 and rotating the socket-carrying member403 step by step.

In Figure 40, there is illustrated a form of wrench which embodies myinvention and which is especially suitable for use where an extra strongtorque force is required, for example to startsa nut that is frozen, 1.e. stuck very tightly on a pipe because of rust or other causes. In thisform of wrench, a body 450 may have mounted thereon at one side of thecenter line of a handle 455 a socket carrying rotatable member 452. Themounting of the member 452 may be substantially the same in constructionas is described hereinbefore for the member N of the Figure 17 form ofmy invention except as is explained hereinforward side and the membermay have a slot M 555 of equal width made for aligning with the slot453. In the curved portion of the member 452 are provided gear teethconstructed for operative driven engagement by a worm 454 mounted at theside of the member 452 with its axis in coaxial relation to a shaft 455mounted in the handle l and having one end portion 455 extend outwardlyfrom the rear end of the handle for a connection (not illustrated) witha source of power. The shaft end portion 456 and the adjacent endportion of the handle 45] may be of the same construction as similarparts of the Figure 37form of wrench described hereinabove. As asafeguard against stripping the threads of a B nut or the like whenturning it by power applied through the worm 404, this worm may bedriven through a slip clutch or friction drive device generallydesignated in Figure 40 as 451 and being of substantially the sameconstruction as the slip clutch drive described hereinbefore inconnection with the form of my invention shown in Figures 36 and 37.Also, the slip clutch drive device 451 may be rendered inoperative by amanually operable toggle control device generally designated as 450which may be of substantially the same construction and operated likethe toggle device shown in connection with the wrench illustrated inFigures 36 and 37. The slip clutch device 451 and the toggle device 458are disposed in a rearwardly positioned chamber of a cavity 450a in thebody 450 which cavity chamber may be enclosed by a cover plate (notshown) fastened by screws to the body.

A device for Stopping the rotation of the socket carrying member whenthe slots 453 and 454 are in alignment and such is desirable, a stop pindevice generally designated as 489 may be of the same construction andoperated like the pin I00 shown as an element of the wrench illustratedin Figure 16.

In Figures 41, 42, and 43, there is illustrated an embodiment of myinvention whichwill effect the operative rotation of a turnbuckle 500 ofa well known construction while the turnbuckle is an element of acontinuous line of bracingrods or of similar structural elements ofaircraft or ships. Awrench generally designated as'50l may be .of thesame construction and operation as the form of my wrench inventionillustrated in Figures 15 to 21 inclusive. 'On' a socket carryingelement 502 of the wrench there may be mounted a socket 503 theinner'end portion of which may have the same construction and operationas the inner (upper as viewed in Figure 16) end portion of the socketI24. As illustrated in Figure 43. an outer end portion 504 of the socketdevice 503, may be made with a shallow lengthwise slot element 505 oneach side of a centrally disposed axial hole 505 which is made to fitsnugly around a usual centrally disposed integral collar-like element501! of the turnbuckle 500. Through slot 508 of usual construction inthe collar, a stiff locking pin 5E0 is inserted. At one end of this pina portion 5 is bent back along the pin and then transversely thereto.This construction helps to prevent the pin from slipping so far throughthe collar 50'! that one end of it (the pin) may project too far outwardto go into the associated slot 505. As shown in Figure 42 the pin may beseated securely in the socket end portion 504 and cannot be removedtherefrom until the socket and wrench are moved away from the pin alongthe turnbuckle.

Although I have herein shown and described my invention in what I haveconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of myinvention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed hereinbut is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace anyand all equivalent devices.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. A split socket wrench for turning B nuts on a pipe comprising ahandle having a circular aperture in one end portion perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the handle. said end portion being formed witha lengthwise open slot communicating with said aperture, a socketdriving member coaxial with said apertur and mounted for rotation onsaid end portion, drive means on the handle for rotating the socketdriving member, a nut engaging socket member having a detachable andnon-rotary connection with the socket driving member coaxiallytherewith, said socket driving member and socket member each having aslot extending the length thereof and one aligned with the other, saidlast two slots aligning with the first named slot in one rotationalposition of the driving member, all of said slots having awidthapproximately equal to the diameter of said pipe, and alignable indiciacarried by the handle and said socket driving member respectively in amanner to indicate to the user the corresponding alignment of said slotswhereby said wrench is in a condition to be removed from engagement withsaid pipe.

2. A split socket wrench for turning a B nut element of a pipe includinga handle having an end formed with an aperture perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the handle and an open slot communicating with theaperture, a tubular socket-carrying member revolvabiy and drivablymounted in the aperture coaxially therewith, a longitudinally extendingslot inlet through a wall of said member and alignable with the slot insaid handle for, engaging said member about the pipe, an interchangeablesocket for engaging ment, said shank being releasably' andtelescopically mounted on said socket-carrying member and having aco-axial substantially crescentshaped complementary nut-engaging portionextending axially from the shank, said nut-engaging portion and saidshank portion having a continuous lengthwise slot for the reception ofsaid pipe and alignable with said slot inlet and the slot in saidhandle, said socket-carrying member having a transversely formedabutment adjacent its slot adapted for axially slideable engagement withsaid terminal abutn'mnt to drive said socket rotatably.

3. The structure described in claim 2, said slot inlet comprising aguide means for disposing said socket in coaxial relation to said B nutwhen said wrench is engaged on said pipe.

4. The structure described in claim 2 having guide means engageable withthe pipe adjacent the B nut for disposing said socket in coaxialrelation to said B nut, said last named means including circular wallelements of the same form and diameter as that of said pipe, andnormallybearin thereagainst and turning slideably ther roun whe\n saidwrench is in engagement with said pipe.

5. A wrench comprising a handle, a revoluble socket carrying memberhaving an axial bore with a lengthwise slot through the wall around saidbore, a journal mounting means for said member on one end of saidhandle, said mounting means being slotted longitudinally on the sideopposite said handle, means carried by said handle for operativelyturning said revoluble member, a socket-like member coaxial with saidrevoluble member and having a lengthwise slot therein, and abutmentmeans on said revoluble member and socket member respectively andcooperating for fastening said socket member firmly on said revolublemember with the slots in said socket member and said revoluble member inalignment, said abutment means being readily releasable whereby any oneof a plurality of sizes of said socket member may be alternativelyemployed as an element of said wrench.

6. The structure described in claim 5 characterized by said abutmentmeans including transverse faces in said socket carrying member and ahook-like formation aifioining the outer end of each side of the slot insaid socket member for cooperation with said transverse faces.

'7. The structure described in claim 5 characterized by said abutmentmeans including transverse shoulders in one of said members and acooperative hook-like shoulder adjoining each side of the slot in theother of said members, the remaining portion of said members whichengage one another being corresponding surfaces of concentric cylinders.

8. A socket wrench comprising a body, a hub rotatable in said body andformed with an open slot, a replaceable nut-engaging member operativelyassociated with said hub and formed with a slot alignable with the slotin the hub, gripping means co-acting between said body and said hubwhereby said hub may be forcibly rotated, said hub and said body eachhaving circumferentially arcuate interfltting axially disposed flangesand grooves formed therein for slideable rotative guiding movementduring relative rotation of the hub and body, longitudinally extendingshoulders on the hub at the outer edge of the slot in the hub,respectively, and a slotted,

a 20 collar-like axially disposed shank on the nutengaging membertelescopically engaging said hub, said shank having longitudinallyextending hook-like means adjacent the slot in the shank, said hook-likemeans slidably engaging said shoulders when said shank is engaged withthe hub to form a driving connection between the nut engaging member andhub.

9. A socket wrench comprising a body, a hub rotatable in said body andformed with an open slot, a replaceable nut-engaging member operativelyassociated with said hub and formed with a slot alignable with the slotin the hub, gripping means co-acting between said body and said hubwhereby said hub may be forcibly rotated, said hub and said body eachhaving circumierentially arcuate interfltting axially disposed flangesand grooves of greater depth than width formed therein for slideablerotative guiding movement during relative rotation of the hub and body,at least one longitudinally extending shoulder formed on the hub at theouter edge of the slot in the hub and a slotted, collar-like axiallydisposed shank on the nut-engaging axially slideable into engagementwith the hub, said shank having longitudinally extending and inwardlyprojecting hook-like means adjacent at least one outer extremity of theslot in said shank, said hook-like means being complementary to saidshoulder and nesting the same when said shank is engaged with the hub.

10. In an open end ratchet wrench, a driving head having a circularopening therein and an axial slot extending outwardly from the openingto the periphery of the head, a driven member mounted for rotation inthe head coaxially with the opening, a circular coaxial flange extendingfrom one end of said member, a circular extension-on the opposite end ofsaid member forming a radial shoulder thereon, said head having acircular groove coaxial with the axis of rotation of the head nestingsaid flange, a plate secured to the head and engaging said shoulder,said plate having an opening receiving said extension and a side openingslot aligned with the slot in the head, said driven member having a sideopening slot extending the length thereof and through said flange andextension and registering with the first named slots in one rotativeposition of said member, and ratchet means forming a driving connectionbetween the head and driven member.

11. A wrench according to claim '5 in which the means for turning therevoluble member comprise circumierential ratchet teeth thereon, a pairof pawl means carried bythe head and relatively spaced circumferentiallyof the head, each pawl means having a pair of opposed ratchet toothengaging members respectively for driving the revoluble member, andmanually operable shifting means common to both pawl means and havingoperative connections therewith to simul-- taneously move the same toselectively bring corresponding tooth engaging members of both pawlmeans into operative engagement with said ratchet teeth.

12. A socket wrench comprising a body, a hub rotatable in said body andformed with an open slot. a replaceable nut-engaging member operativelyassociated with said hub and formed with a slot alignable with the slotin the hub, gripping means co-acting between said body and said hubwhereby said hub may be forcibly rotated, said hub and said body eachhaving circumferentially arcuate interfltting axially disposed flangesand

